Nat Hurst wishes she had "spare $5000", exits presser

Canberra Capitals captain Nat Hurst sensationally declared she wishes she had "a spare $5000" before exiting the post-match press conference after one question following a controversial loss to Sydney.

Capitals coach Paul Goriss has called for certain stakeholders in the game to be "held accountable" after their clash with the Sydney Flames was "taken out of [Canberra's] control".

Canberra's second-worst losing streak in club history was extended to 13 games in a 73-67 loss to the Flames at the National Convention Centre on Thursday night.

But it wasn't without controversy as the visitors were seemingly escorted to the free-throw line at their own will in the second half, leaving Goriss to call for "education and accountability" across all levels of the league.

Hurst was fouled out while she and Goriss both copped technical fouls as the WNBL continues to battle with refereeing consistency.

Canberra threatened to break the shackles for much of the contest but fell agonisingly short and Hurst - who made it clear she wanted to speak after the game - had one simple offering.

"One comment I have is I wish I had a spare $5000. That's it," Hurst said, before leaving her seat.

Goriss was left shattered by the result, knowing how hard his side has battled to spark a turnaround in their fortunes.

The Capitals mentor admits another fourth quarter fade out brought about Canberra's undoing but it was necessarily all their own fault.

"Once again it was the fourth quarter but I think in this instance the game was really taken out of our control," Goriss said.

"That's how the game finished. The game was out of our control playing-wise. It's just disappointing that the girls don't get rewarded for their hard work and it's taken away by other people.

"Every game hurts, but when it's taken out of your hands through other people's decision-making, that's what hurst the most.

"The girls don't deserve it, the league doesn't deserve it and something has got to be done."

Goriss has a simple fix for what that something has to be.

"Education and accountability," Goriss said.

"The girls are held accountable through every team in the league for their performances. I don't think other people that have a say in the game are held accountable for their performances."

They're almost at opposite ends of the table but looked anything but for much of the contest, with Canberra just lacking that final bit of polish needed for a breakthrough win.

Sydney were without Asia Taylor due to an eye injury and Canberra's own import Mistie Bass made her presence felt with 16 ponts.

Boasting a genuine home court advantage for the first time in almost a month, the Capitals looked ferocious on both ends of the floor.

So often after moments of promise things have flatlined for the Capitals this season but they looked a shadow of the side boasting a run of outs that now resembles a baker's dozen.

The hosts had a three-point advantage heading into the final quarter - a lead many wouldn't boast about given Canberra's disappointing fourth quarter record this season.

Sydney were escorted to the free throw line 17 times in the second half in a run that ultimately proved the difference.

The Capitals now turn their attention to a date with the Dandenong Rangers at Dandenong Stadium on Saturday night.